Borchard discovers the down side of the game

It’s not just a game. It’s not just a job, either. It’s a lifestyle. And Borchard’s has been upended.

Saturday night, his wife, Erin, learned that her aunt had died. Sunday morning, she was going to get a call from her husband saying their lives in Seattle may be at an end.

Borchard, a backup outfielder, was called into manager Mike Hargrove’s office Sunday morning to learn that he’s been designated for assignment. That means he’s off the roster (replaced by pitcher Clint Nageotte) and the Mariners have 10 days to trade him, release him or send him to Triple-A Tacoma. They can only make that third move if he clears waivers.

”People see the money we make, but they don’t always see this,” Borchard said. ”For 10 days, I don’t know what I’m going to be doing. I’d like to stay in the organization, but I’d like to stay in the majors, too.

”All I can do is sit and wait.”

Borchard was picked up on waivers from the Chicago White Sox late in spring training. The Mariners gave up lefty Matt Thornton, a pitcher with the promise of a great fastball, but someone the organization had tired of.

”I know they gave up a good pitcher for me,” Borchard said. ”Now they essentially gave him away for nothing. But it’s a long season. A lot can happen.

For the record, Thornton hasn’t exactly lit it up with the White Sox. He’ll be on the roster with the White Sox in town the next three games, but he’s pitched in just three games and hasn’t pitched in any game since April 13.